Why should people with diabetes take particular care with their feet?
Foot care is incredibly important for people with diabetes as foot related complications are common. Feet may be described as feeling like cotton wool or numb when nerves are damaged or the feet may become very sensitive and burn affecting comfort and sleep. Poor circulation can lead to skin changes, small wounds or blisters may pose a threat of infection and healing can be impaired. In some people with diabetes their circulation and nerves become damaged so that something that would normally heal quickly or hurt may be slow to heal or non-healing and not cause any symptoms such as pain. Sometimes this means that patient are not aware that they have a problem which can then become long-standing and affect quality of life.
Regular foot examination plays a key role in preventing complications for diabetic feet.
Its important for the patient to manage diabetes with an appropriate treatment regimen and lifestyle modifications. Keeping in touch with their doctor or diabetes specialist nurse and having regular checks on HbA1c levels and other levels in their blood, blood pressure and blood glucose. As for everyone they should also exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet. In addition to this it is advised that patients should have their feet assessed at least annually and to visit a Podiatrist regularly if they have foot problems.
What will the podiatrist do?
Our Podiatrists can provide nail care and treat any corns or calluses. We can advise on footwear, provide orthotses when required. Diagnose foot problems. Provide a detailed annual review for patients with diabetes. Checking their circulation sensation and advising on ways to prevent problems. ,
Taking positive action to care for your feet can prevent problems
If you have diabetes and are considering coming to see us, please contact us for advice. Our Podiatrists can tell you more about what we do to help you keep your feet in tip top condition so you can get on with more important things in life.
What can patients do for themselves?
Here are some tips to help YOU keep your feet healthy:
- INSPECT YOUR FEET REGULARLY: daily if you do get problems with your feet. Check feet & toes, sides, soles, heals and areas between your toes. Look for signs of foot damage: cuts, bruises, swelling, change in colour, sores, hard skin, non-healing wounds. Use a mirror or ask someone to check it for you if you cannot inspect them by yourself.
If you notice and redness, swelling, discharge and breaks in the skin don’t ignore it. Apply first aid and above all..Seek help sooner rather than later if you do get a problem.
- Trim your nails straight across and don’t cut them too short.
- WASH YOUR FEET DAILY: use warm water with mild soap. Check the temperature of water using your fingers as diabetes can make it difficult to sense the temperature with your feet.
- DRY YOUR FEET CAREFULLY: moist areas are a hub of infections specially the area between the toes.
- MOISTURISE YOUR FEET : use emollient regularly but not between your toes.
- FOOTWEAR: The most important aspect of diabetic foot care is use of comfortable and appropriate footwear. Your podiatrist shall guide you on the type and fit of footwear and an orthotic if you might need one according to your foot condition.